Warwick H.I.P. Kids - How We Hear

Image Source: http://www.educationalelectronicsusa.com/p/images/wavesound_17a.jpg

How We Hear

Follow the green soundwave from the outer ear to the cochlea.
Soundwaves travel through the outer ear to the eardrum, also known as the tympanic membrane.
The eardrum vibrates and sets in motion the 3 small bones, together known as the ossicles, in the inner ear - the malleus, incus, and stapes.
The vibration of the eardrum and the movement of the ossicles is a form of mechanical energy.
As the last of the 3 bones, the stapes, moves it pushes in on the oval window of the cochlea.
As the oval window moves, it in turn causes the fluid inside the cochlea to move and stimulate the hair-like receptor cells or, cilia.
As the cilia move and become "fired up", the mechanical energy is converted to electrical energy.
This electrical current stimulates the cochlear nerve or, auditory nerve, which then sends a signal to the brain.
Sound is heard!

For animations of the process of hearing, visit:
The Ear: How We Hear
Parts of the Ear and The Process of Hearing

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